Nigeria’s higher education landscape is evolving, with employability now a critical factor in assessing university performance. A recent study has ranked the top 10 Nigerian universities producing the country’s most employable graduates based on standardized test results. These rankings provide insight into how well institutions are preparing students for the competitive job market.
The Top 10 Universities and Their Employability Rates:
Covenant University – 48%
Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) – 43%
Landmark University – 43%
University of Lagos (UNILAG) – 42%
Afe Babalola University (ABUAD) – 42%
Babcock University – 40%
University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) – 38%
University of Benin (UNIBEN) – 37%
Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) – 37%
University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) – 29%
These rankings reflect the employability rates of graduates from these institutions, indicating their ability to secure jobs based on their academic performance, skills, and industry preparedness.
Insights from the Ranking
A key takeaway from the rankings is the balanced representation of both public and private universities in producing employable graduates. Out of the 10 institutions listed, five are private universities, while the other five are public institutions.
Private vs. Public University Performance
Private Universities (5) – Covenant University, Landmark University, Afe Babalola University, Babcock University, and Landmark University collectively hold a 50% representation in the rankings.
Public Universities (5) – FUTO, UNILAG, UNILORIN, UNIBEN, OOU, and UNN also hold a 50% share of the rankings.
This distribution challenges the long-held assumption that only federal and state-owned institutions produce the best talent for the Nigerian labour market. It highlights how private institutions are playing a significant role in producing competitive graduates.
Covenant University’s Dominance
Topping the list, Covenant University continues to set the benchmark for graduate employability with a 48% rating. The private institution is known for its strong academic curriculum, focus on entrepreneurship, and industry partnerships that give students a competitive edge. Covenant University’s consistent emphasis on leadership training, innovation, and character development has made its graduates attractive to employers both in Nigeria and internationally.
FUTO Leading the Public Institutions
The Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) emerged as the most employable graduate-producing public university, securing a 43% employability rating. FUTO’s focus on technology, engineering, and applied sciences equips students with in-demand technical skills, making them valuable to employers in Nigeria’s growing tech and engineering industries.
Other High-Performing Institutions
University of Lagos (42%) and Afe Babalola University (42%): Both institutions have demonstrated academic excellence and a commitment to producing workforce-ready graduates.
Babcock University (40%): The institution’s emphasis on discipline and quality education has contributed to its strong ranking.
University of Ilorin (38%) and University of Benin (37%): These public universities have consistently ranked among the top performers in Nigeria, maintaining a reputation for rigorous academic training.
Olabisi Onabanjo University (37%) and University of Nigeria, Nsukka (29%): While these institutions round up the top 10, their lower employability rates suggest room for improvement in aligning curricula with industry needs.
What Makes a University’s Graduates More Employable?
Several factors contribute to graduate employability, including:
Industry-Relevant Curriculum – Universities that align their programs with market demands produce graduates with relevant skills.
Internship and Work Experience Programs – Institutions with strong internship programs enable students to gain real-world experience before graduation.
Strong Alumni Network – Schools with active alumni networks provide mentorship and job opportunities for fresh graduates.
Entrepreneurial and Leadership Training – Schools like Covenant University and Afe Babalola University incorporate business and leadership skills into their academic programs, giving their graduates an advantage in job applications.
Soft Skills Development – Employers seek candidates with strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, which universities must integrate into their training.
This ranking provides valuable insights for prospective students, employers, and policymakers on the state of higher education in Nigeria. With a mix of both private and public universities producing Nigeria’s most employable graduates, it is evident that academic excellence and industry preparedness are no longer exclusive to public institutions. Moving forward, universities must continue refining their curricula, fostering industry partnerships, and equipping students with the necessary skills to thrive in a rapidly evolving job market.
For aspiring students seeking the best opportunities post-graduation, these rankings offer a useful guide in choosing the right university for their career aspirations. Employers, on the other hand, can use this data to identify institutions that consistently produce high-performing graduates.
